Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Reply to comment

rshen's picture

Drawn to the personal Pollan

To be completely honest, I find myself becoming detached while reading Omnivore's Dilemma. I'm a happy carnivore, so it's probable that the truth hurts, but I am drawn reluctantly to Pollan's argument when he uses his own voice. I mean, sure he can throw the facts at me, and even if I get myself in the proper mindset to accept facts, I can't control my mind shutting down. I can however, accept his own opinions. When he brings in his personal experiences, I can't help but become more attentive to his points.

What bothers me the most is the impossibility I'm faced with when he just dishes out the cold truth. For instance, in the latest chapter describing the slaughtering of cows on the conveyor belt, it's too extreme a situation for my brain to comprehend. I'm not doubting the truth of the matter, and it obviously is a gruesome death that I think even I, the most carnivorous one of my friends, can sympathize and realize the brutality of the situation. The impossibility lies in that I'm not sure I'll ever have my own farm where I'd be an active member of my future meal's life. So what am I to do being so removed from the cow that I love to eat? Become a valiant vegetarian? Then I'm troubled with the whole idea that I'd be obsessing over my food and instead of eating being a pleasurable and nourishing experience (like the French), I'd be hampered down with moral implications. I guess what I'm saying is I'm a selfish person; can't I just know the truth and still enjoy a juicy bacon cheeseburger?

Anyways, I think I'm having a genuinely difficult time comprehending this whole hidden truth since I'm so conflicted. Thank gosh that Pollan divulges his own personal struggles so I don't feel like I'm being lectured.

 

 

Reply

To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
15 + 2 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.